Council looks back on innovation and change at end of four-year term

With the 2024 council election period now complete, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Councillors at the end of their four-year term.  

The Councillors from Aitken Ward (Cr Carly Moore, Cr Jim Overend, Cr Jodi Jackson, Cr Joseph Haweil) Jacksons Creek Ward (Cr Jack Medcraft, Cr Jarrod Bell, Cr Trevor Dance) and Meadow Valley Ward (Cr Chirs Hollow, Cr Karen Sherry, Cr Naim Kurt, Cr Sam Misho) ensured that residents voices were heard, amplified and actioned between 2020 – 2024.  

In 2020/21, Mayor Cr Joseph Haweil and Deputy Mayor Cr Jack Medcraft were a part of several long-term growth projects, while balancing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Highlights during this term include: 

• Turnaround of the COVID vaccination rates
• Greenvale West Community Centre opening  
• Hume Household Energy program launch 
• Upgrade and Extension of Craigieburn Tennis Centre Pavilion 
• Adoption of the Aged Care Service and Support Plan 
• Launch of the Hume Libraries website  

In 2021/22, Mayor Cr Carly Moore and Deputy Mayor Cr Sam Misho continued to work with residents to ensure that major capital works projects were delivered, while community and programs and grants continued to support residents. Highlights include: 

• Hume City Small Business Grants program was established 
• The Hume Multiversity program supported 23 tertiary scholarships for residents 
• Hume Enviro Champions program delivered 
• Construction of new Eric Boardman Reserve Sports Pavilion No.1 
• Mickleham North Community Centre opened 
• The first Hume Winter Lights Festival 

In 2022/23, Mayor Cr Joseph Haweil and Deputy Mayor Cr Karen Sherry continued to advocate for community initiatives and oversaw the opening of several open space areas. Highlights during this year include: 

• Gambling Harm Awareness Forum  
• Record breaking attendance at Craigieburn Festival  
• Support for rural landowners through a range of grants and rebates, funding 45 conversations project 
• Opening of the Seabrook Reserve play space  
• Delivery of the Merrifield Recreation Reserve 
• Construction of 6 new offices at StartNorth 

In 2023/24, Mayor Cr Naim Kurt and Deputy Mayor Cr Karen Sherry were involved in key business innovation projects, community events, as well as opening major infrastructure facilities. Highlights include: 

• Sunbury 24 festival 
• Implementation of the Bookable platform 
• Green bin roll-out 
• Opened Valley Park Community Centre  
• The completion of the Kalkallo North Community Centre  
• Opening of the Sunbury Multideck Car Park  

These are just some of the many achievements from the outgoing Council group, and our community are grateful for their hard work during this term.  

More about our Councillors and the new 11-ward structure can be found at the Your Councillors page of our website.